The Colorado Rockies have not won a series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates since April of 2011 and that remains true after a 5-2 loss on Tuesday night. They lost their first road series of 2017.
Tyler Chatwood versus Gerrit Cole turned out to be every bit the pitcher’s duel you would expect. Chatwood remains spectacular away from Coors Field and Cole remains one of the best pitchers in the National League when he is on. And he was on in this game.
Colorado only collected four hits in the contest and left nine men on base.
Pittsburgh finally broke the scoreless tie in the fourth on a solo home run from Andrew McCuthchen, Chatwood’s only mistake on the evening.
But Colorado tied it right back up in the top of the fifth on some brilliant baserunning by Trevor Story. The Rockies shortstop first worked a walk then managed to go from first all the way around to home plate and score the tying run on a bloop out to shallow left field. The Pirates were caught off guard that he kept going at third, the relay throw coming into second, and Story was barely able to slide around a tag to complete the hustle play.
With a pair of runners at second and third with two outs in the seventh, Bud Black decided to pinch-hit for Chatwood, putting in Alexi Amarista who struck out.
Chatwood’s final line: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.
Adam Ottavino replaced Chatty and proved to be more hittable than he typically is, giving up a rare single on the slider to Jordy Mercer and then a two-run home run on the fastball to John Jaso.
Jordan Lyles came into the 3-1 game and gave up a two-run home run, McCutchen’s second of the game, on a no-doubter blast, smashing a 3-0 fastball right down the middle to make it 5-1 Pittsburgh.
Lyles could also be seen grimacing during his outing which required a quick visit from the medical staff. One way or the other, it looks like Lyles may be in for some time off of the 25-man roster.
The Rockies got a run in the ninth on a single from Story, scoring Mark Reynolds who had walked, but it was too little too late.
Colorado fell to 41-26 on the season and could fall into a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the lead in the NL West if LA wins tonight.
